2003 Dodge Caravan Rear vibration between 90-110kph.

COLINB93RS

MEMBER
2003 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
117,000 MILES

Started about 2 months ago, feel a vibration in the front seats and can see movement in the rear seats between 80 and 110 kph.

Vehicle was modified about 3 years + ago for wheelchair access with a rear entry ramp. We have NEVER had a problem before with vibration until a couple months ago.

So far we have started by balancing the rear tires and cleaning/inspecting the rear brakes. Next we had all 4 tires balanced and inspecting/testing of rear suspension. After that we replaced the 2 rear tires with our winters and inspected the rims for dents or any warping, as well as another inspection of the rear suspension. By this time u can imagine my frustration. Next we decided on a highspeed balance however due to our summer tires being almost out of tread we purchased for new all seasons and high speed balanced those.

Today we took a trip which distance totaled around 600k. Any time I was between 90-110kph there was a lot of vibration, specifically at 100kph was the worst. If I drove at or above 120kph it seemed the vibration was minimal or non existent.

I am stumped. Could the wheel bearings be the problem? I am very hesitant to blame the modification as it hasn't been a problem in the past.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Based on your description, it sounds like wheel balance, but you have done everything to eliminate it. Have you checked the wheel bearings? Is there any noise associated with the vibration?

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Sunday, August 8th, 2010 AT 12:56 AM

COLINB93RS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have only noticed noise this past trip I couldn't account for and it was only for about 10k. Seemed to go away, could of been the roads but I am not 100%.

I would consider wheel bearings as they are still original.

A coulpe other things to note, cv joints are just starting to make a knocking sound when turning. Maybe 2 week old, mechanic says they should be fine for now and wouldn't account for vibration in the rear end. Front brake pads are due for a change, only noticed when we replaced the tires this past week. I only mention this as maybe this might give some kind of insight as to the state of the vehicle and how we can proceed. We haven't had any serious trouble with the van until this. And honestly as annoying as it is it still drives pretty good.